Abstract
The majority of the skeletal elements, except the flat bones of the skull, are formed by endochondral ossification, in which cartilage is replaced by bone. The formation of cartilage is a multi-step process termed chondrogenesis, during which undifferentiated mesenchymal cells condense and undergo differentiation towards chondrocytes. Notwithstanding recent advances, our knowledge of the detailed mechanisms implicated in cartilage and bone formation is still scarce. Recent genetic, cellular and biochemical studies have highlighted the importance of TGFbeta signaling and the activity of the transcription factor Sox9 during the early stages of vertebrate limb chondrogenesis.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bone Development / genetics*
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Chondrogenesis / genetics*
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Extremities / embryology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
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High Mobility Group Proteins / genetics
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High Mobility Group Proteins / physiology*
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Humans
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Mesoderm / cytology
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Mesoderm / metabolism
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SOX9 Transcription Factor
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Trans-Activators / genetics
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / physiology*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
Substances
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High Mobility Group Proteins
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SOX9 Transcription Factor
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SOX9 protein, human
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors
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Transforming Growth Factor beta